Bristol Myers Squibb Expands ALS Partnership with Insitro, Commits Over $2 Billion

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has announced a significant extension of its collaboration with artificial intelligence specialist Insitro, focusing on the development of novel treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The expanded partnership, which builds on a relationship first established in 2020, could see Insitro receive more than $2 billion in milestone payments and royalties.

Extended Collaboration Targets ALS Drug Discovery

The pharmaceutical giant will invest an additional $20 million to extend the existing contract with Insitro for one more year. This extension allows the companies to leverage Insitro's ChemML technology, an AI-driven platform designed to accelerate small-molecule discovery and optimization.

The partnership's primary focus remains on an ALS target identified and validated by Insitro, which BMS selected for further development in December 2022. This selection triggered a $25 million milestone payment to Insitro at the time.

AI-Driven Approach to Neurodegenerative Diseases

The collaboration initially centered on developing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models for ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Insitro's AI-powered platform has been instrumental in creating these models, which have led to the identification of potential drug targets.

BMS's decision to extend the partnership underscores the potential of AI and machine learning in drug discovery, particularly for complex neurodegenerative conditions like ALS. The use of Insitro's ChemML technology is expected to further streamline the drug design process against the previously identified ALS target.

BMS's Strategic Investments in Innovation

This extended partnership with Insitro is part of a broader strategy by BMS to bolster its pipeline through strategic collaborations and acquisitions. Recent notable investments include:

• A $1.5 billion acquisition of cell therapy company Orbital Therapeutics, focusing on autoimmune disorders.
• A partnership with Philochem, valued at up to $1.7 billion, to develop treatments for prostate cancer.
• An $11 billion collaboration with BioNTech on solid tumor bispecific antibodies.
• The acquisition of cell therapy partner 2seventy bio for $286 million, strengthening BMS's position in cell therapy production.

These investments reflect BMS's commitment to diversifying its pipeline and embracing cutting-edge technologies in drug discovery and development.